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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On March 22, 2011, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors proclaimed March 20th through March 26th as Tsunami Awareness Week in Ventura County. Tsunami Awareness Week is a nationwide effort to encourage individuals to be prepared for tsunamis through education and awareness. Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, referenced recent events in Japan in her presentation to encourage local residents to be prepared. "Strong ground shaking, a loud ocean roar, or the water receding unusually far and exposing the sea floor are all nature's warnings that a tsunami may be coming," said Hernandez. The County of Ventura also announced that it is currently in the process of obtaining Tsunami Ready certification from the National Weather Service. Part of this process requires that jurisdictions place tsunami-warning signs along the coast within the tsunami hazard areas. “A public comment period will be opened within the next month to address questions or concerns regarding the installation of the tsunami hazard signs along the coast,” said Erin Slack, Alert and Warning Coordinator for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services also will be disseminating tsunami preparedness materials to residents within the potential tsunami inundation zone. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov or the County of Ventura Disaster Information page at www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation. Location: County of Ventura |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
 Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC) When disaster strikes, time is of the essence. As a result, the best method of handling a disaster is not to react to it, but to prepare for it before it occurs. That is the purpose of the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council (EPC). Made up of representatives from city, county and local government agencies, along with non-profit and other organizations, the EPC is responsible for coordinating and developing emergency management plans for the county. The recent catastrophic events in Japan are a clear demonstration of the need for this kind of advance planning. Not only does the county need to be prepared for a disaster that occurs here, but also for one that strikes elsewhere and may have an impact on the county. While Ventura County escaped any significant damage from Japan’s earthquake or the tsunami it generated, advance planning by the EPC ensured there were systems in place should the county be affected. Even now, agency members of the EPC are monitoring radiation levels to ensure the county is prepared in the unlikely event that radiation released in Japan reaches dangerous levels here. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) operates three radiation monitors in Southern California for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including one at Fire Station 21 in Ojai. The SCAQMD is posting daily radiation monitoring updates on their website: http://www.aqmd.gov. The Ventura County Health Care Agency is also closely watching radiation levels to determine if any protective actions are necessary. Medical Director Robert M. Levin, M.D., has prepared a radiation fact sheet for Ventura County residents but cautions there is no risk expected for the county. “We urge our county’s residents not to take potassium iodide as a precautionary measure,” he said. “Taken inappropriately, it can have serious side effects. If we become aware of a radiation threat to our county’s residents, we will recommend protective actions.” In addition, local law enforcement and fire agencies, along with city, school and county government organizations have also developed contingency plans in case the need should arise. But, as a group, the EPC reminds residents that preparation is the most effective means of dealing with a disaster. “Preparation begins with you,” said EPC chairwoman Linda Parks. “If everyone does their part to plan for a disaster, the county will be ready if it occurs. The EPC is here to help all our residents to achieve that goal.” Questions regarding the EPC may be referred to Laura Hernandez, Assistant Director of Emergency Services, at 805-654-2552. For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at www.ready.gov or the County of Ventura Disaster Information page at www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation. Administrator Preparing Release: Cynthia Elliott, OES Program Administrator (805) 654-3655 and Bill Nash, Ventura County Fire Public Information and Marketing Officer (805) 389-9746 Date & Time: March 21, 2011 at 8:00 AM |
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By Bob Crum — Monday, March 21st, 2011
Story and photos by Bob Crum
 Preparing to lower the measuring device of Old Telegraph Road bridge into Sespe Creek. Enlarge Photo  (l-r) Matt Melchiorsen and Mike Gaedeke readjusting the Price AA stream flow measuring device above the lead weight. Seeing spots? Relax. Your eyes are OK. The spots are water drops on the lens. It was raining! Enlarge Photo  Graph of stream height measured at monitoring station upstream from Old Telegraph Road. Enlarge Photo Mother Nature roared... poured... and Sespe Creek did rise. And it's flowing a shade of muddy chocolate. Being the biggest rain “event” since 2005, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) dispatched a crew from Santa Maria to measure... and document... the creek stream flow. Scientifically speaking... discharge is the volume of water moving down a stream per unit of time, commonly expressed in cubic feet per second or gallons per day. In general, creek discharge is computed by multiplying the area of water in a channel cross section by the average velocity of the water in that cross section. The method used by the USGS team on Sunday 3/20/11 was the current-meter method. They first tied a string marked in one-foot increments across the Old Telegraph Road bridge. Every eight feet or so... they lowered a Price AA measuring current meter suspended above a heavy lead weight. The Price AA current meter has a wheel of six metal cups that revolve around a vertical axis. An electronic signal is transmitted by the meter on each revolution allowing the revolutions to be counted and timed. Because the rate at which the cups revolve is directly related to the velocity of the water, the times revolutions are used to determine the water velocity. The reading was taken at about every eight feed across the entire width of Sespe Creek. According to Matthew Scrudato of the Santa Maria USGS field office, measurements are taken during major weather events in order to maintain data relative to stream capacity compared to base level flows, stream flow shifts, creek bed shifts and other related data. Scrudato emphasized that the USGS is a data collecting agency – not a managerial agency. The data they collect is used by a several agencies involved in flood stages and control, stream bed shifts and the like. In case you're wondering, the stream flow under the Old Telegraph Road bridge at 5 PM, 3/20/11, measured 35,700 cubic feet per second. That is a lot of water. But not as much as the creek flow of 2005. Use this url to monitor the USGS creek flow monitoring station #11113000 in Fillmore.. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ca/nwis/current/?type=flow&group_key=NONE&sear... |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 21st, 2011
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) OAKLAND, Calif. - With many communities throughout the nation facing threats of spring flooding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are once again joining forces to commemorate Flood Safety Awareness Week March 14 - 18. FEMA and NOAA's National Weather Service are providing tips and information to help individuals and families prepare for flooding dangers during the week and throughout the spring season. The resources can be accessed at the Flood Safety Awareness Week landing page, located at www.ready.gov/floodawareness. "As the nation's most common and expensive natural disaster, floods can strike virtually every community," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "We're encouraging individuals and families to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their property. These include learning about their risk of flooding, having an emergency preparedness kit, storing important documents in a safe place and considering the purchase of flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flooding, and most policies take 30 days to go into effect so it's important to act now." Floods do more than damage property; they can also threaten lives if safety precautions are not followed. "Floods occur somewhere in the United States or its territories nearly every day of the year, killing nearly 100 people on average annually and causing damage in the billions of dollars," said Jack Hayes, Ph.D., director of the National Weather Service. "Awareness, preparedness and action are the key ingredients to protecting lives and property when floods threaten. One essential safety tip is to never cross a road that is covered by water. Remember, Turn Around, Don't Drown." According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding each year, than from any other severe weather related hazard. The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. All areas of the country can be at risk for flooding and when such conditions are forecast, important information and life-saving alerts are available at www.weather.gov. More than half of all flood-related deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. Remember flash flooding can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop. Be prepared to take detours and adjust your route due to road closures if there is standing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Flood water may be much deeper than it appears as theroadbed may be washed out. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. In most cases, standard homeowner's insurance policies don't cover flood damages. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available to renters, homeowners, and business owners through thousands of insurance agents located in nearly 21,000 communities around the nation. Flood coverage can be purchased for properties both in, and outside of, the highest risk areas but should be considered regardless of where you live since 20 percent of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low-risk areas. The average cost of a policy is $570 a year, and Preferred Risk Policies outside of SFHAs can be as low as $129 a year. Individuals can learn more about seasonal flood risks and what to do to prepare by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) FloodSmart.gov Web site, or by calling 1-800-427-2419. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 21st, 2011
All six Search Dog Foundation teams deployed to Japan return home safely
All six Search Dog Foundation teams deployed to Japan to help with the search efforts returned safely home last night, including local teams Eric & Riley, Linda & Joe This was SDF’s 76th deployment, and the first international deployment for Search Teams Eric Gray & Riley and Linda Tacconelli & Joe. The other four SDF teams deployed to Japan—Ron Horetski & Pearl, Bill Monahan & Hunter, Jasmine Segura & Cadillac, and Gary Durian & Baxter—are veterans of the January 2010 Haiti earthquake deployment where they helped bring 12 people to safety. SDF HANDLER ERIC GRAY: SDF FOUNDER WILMA MELVILLE: |
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By Anonymous — Monday, March 21st, 2011
 American Red Cross of Ventura County Ventura, CA, March 20, 2011: Due to large amounts of rain in the past 24 hours, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Ventura County. The County Office of Emergency Services is strongly encouraging people to not travel unless necessary, and people in low-lying areas should be prepared to take necessary actions to leave their home should rain levels increase to flood-level stages. The American Red Cross would like to remind residents of the following preparedness tips: If your area is under a Flood Watch or Warning: Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger. Items you should have gathered and ready: Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day Food—at least a 3-day supply of non- perishable, easy-to-prepare food Flashlight Ë Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) Extra batteries First aid kit Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) Sanitation and personal hygiene items Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies) Cell phone with chargers Family and emergency contact information Extra cash The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, more than half a million volunteers and 30,000 employees helped victims of 70,000 disasters nationwide; and taught lifesaving skills to millions. Locally, the American Red Cross, San Luis Obispo County Chapter provided services to more than 20,000 members of our community and distributed disaster preparedness and health and safety materials to thousands of school children, seniors and community members. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross, San Luis Obispo County Chapter at (805) 987-1514. You can now follow the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter on Twitter for up to date information: @RedCrossVentura. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, March 21st, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 03/20/2011, at about 4:45 PM, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office began receiving calls of overdue hikers in the Ventura County backcountry. It was quickly determined that many of these missing individuals were all associated with a professional hiking group - the “Los Padres Sierra Club.” The reporting parties said the club members had not returned from an overnight camping trip in the Los Padres National Forest. The number of missing club members was believed to be around 20 to 30 members. As the information developed further, it was learned that this group of hikers set out into the forest on Saturday morning, 03/19/2011, in the face of the on-coming storm. The club then split into three separate groups, with each group being led by a Sierra Club “team leader” and each group hiking in a different area of the forest. The information as to exactly where these three groups planned to hike was limited. According to the reporting parties, their plan was to spend the night in the mountains and then hike out Sunday morning. Through interviews with concerned family members, it was determined the three groups were likely in or around the Middle Matillija, Middle Lions Camp, and Potrero John areas of the Los Padres National Forest. All three of these areas can be accessed off of Hwy 33, above the City of Ojai. Sheriff’s personnel were also able to obtain vehicle information from the reporting parties, so Search and Rescue (SAR) resources were immediately deployed to the above-mentioned areas to try and locate the missing vehicles at the various campgrounds and/or trailheads that dot the area. A Sheriff’s helicopter was also dispatched to assist with the search, however the helicopter was unable to access the mountain areas due to the high winds, rain and poor visibility generated from the powerful storm system. The Upper Ojai Mountain Rescue Team was able to locate several vehicles believed to belong to the Sierra Club hiking parties in the areas of Lion’s Camp and Potrero John. The SAR Team checked the immediate area around these locations, however they were unable to hike down the trails due to swollen and treacherous water crossings that had developed due to the heavy rains and large amount of storm run off. As a result, and due to safety concerns, the decision was made to suspend further rescue operations until the next morning. As the Ojai SAR Team was leaving the area, the SAR Team Captain (Bill Slaughter) noticed some lights coming from a ridge top. The area where the lights were coming from was on top of a steep cliff. Believing the lights to be associated with some of the missing Sierra Club hikers, a ground based search and rescue operation was immediately initiated. Members of the East Valley Mountain Rescue Team responded to assist the Ojai SAR Team with the rescue. SAR members were given assignments to try and access the area on foot. At about 11:00 PM, SAR members made contact with (4) four of the missing Sierra Club members – all of whom were in a very precarious situation. The four members explained that they had experienced heavy rains all night on Saturday night, so they set out first thing Sunday morning to try and make it out of the backcountry. As they tried to hike out, the four individuals found that they were no longer able to cross the water crossings, so they abandoned their tents and backpacks and attempted to scale a ridgeline to make it to Hwy 33. They soon became very tired and very cold. The Ojai and East Valley SAR Teams had to rig safety lines across the water crossings, as well as a waterfall, and then secure each individual in a harness system in order to pull them safely across the dangerous water and steep terrain. All four Sierra Club members were suffering from exposure to the cold and were subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital. During the rescue efforts, one SAR member received minor injuries that required later treatment at a local Urgent Care facility. The rescue efforts to locate the remaining members of the Sierra Club were suspended to the following morning. On Monday morning, 03/21/2011, the Sheriff’s helicopter launched at 6:45 AM, in hopes of locating the remaining members of the Sierra Club. A second group of Sierra Club members were found in the Middle Lions Camp area. These individuals were also unable to cross the water crossings that had swollen to dangerous levels due to the storm. The helicopter crew was able to land and load (9) nine individuals onto the helicopter, and then flew them out of danger and back to their cars. No injuries were reported in this second group. The Sheriff’s Helicopter then located the last group of Sierra Club members in the area of Middle Matillija. This group was also trapped by the swollen water crossings. The helicopter crew was not able to land, therefore 100 ft. hoist rescues had to be performed on each one of these (6) six individuals. The Sheriff’s Aviation Unit was then able to determine that all of the missing Sierra Club members were accounted for. In total, (19) nineteen Sierra Club members were rescued, requiring over 239 man-hours and 3.6 helicopter hours. The rescued Sierra Club members are as follows: Name Age City of Residence In addition to the rescue of the Sierra Club, on Monday morning, 03/21/2011, the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit responded to the Willet Hot Springs area of the Los Padres Forest on two separate reports of additional missing hikers – one group of five men out of Orange County was reported missing, as well as another group of two men and a dog out of the City of Ojai. The Sheriff’s helicopter responded to the location and discovered the missing groups and performed the rescues without incident. As storms move through our area, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation-Search and Rescue Unit would once again like to remind all residents of the dangers that accompany this type of weather. o Please refrain from entering the backcountry until after the storms have long passed. o As the local mountains and hillsides reach their saturation points, the chances for flash floods, mudslides, and large amounts of storm run-off in the local drainage channels increases dramatically. o Always notify a friend or loved one of your plans and location when entering the wilderness. If you deviate from your hiking plan, be advised that if no one knows where you are it is going to seriously delay emergency response in the event you need help. o Do not attempt to cross moving water - either on foot or in vehicles. Normally shallow water crossings become very hazardous during heavy rains as the water flows increase suddenly and without warning. o The increased water flows in the local drainage channels can be very attractive and luring to children and young adults. A simple slip and fall into this fast moving water often proves to be fatal, even to the best of swimmers. Please ensure that your children are admonished on the dangers of the fast moving water and told not enter any of these areas. o Increased surf activity at the local beaches is another hazard that draws people to the shoreline to view the large waves and heavy surf. Please do not enter the water or venture out onto the jetties or rocks along the local beaches. Large waves are unpredictable and past incidents have taught us that getting washed into the heavy surf often proves to be fatal, even to the best of swimmers. o Please report any dangerous activity on or around waterways and beaches over the upcoming days. Prevention and early detection is key to avoiding tragedies Location: County of Ventura |
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By Anonymous — Sunday, March 20th, 2011
7 PM Sunady, March 20th, 2011
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By Anonymous — Sunday, March 20th, 2011
In effect from 8 PM Sunaday, March 20th thru 4 AM Monday, March 21st
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service (NOAA) Event: Flash Flood Watch Target Area: Ventura County Coastal Valleys Ventura County Interior Valley Alert: ...FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS POSSIBLE FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS... .A STRONG LATE SEASON STORM SYSTEM WILL CONTINUE TO BRING HEAVY RAIN TO SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA THROUGH TONIGHT. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL OCCUR OVER LOS ANGELES COUNTY THROUGH THIS EVENING. HOWEVER...WIDESPREAD SHOWER ACTIVITY WILL CONTINUE ACROSS VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES THIS EVENING. IN ADDITION...THERE WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE AREA. RAINFALL RATES BETWEEN THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH PER HOUR AND AN INCH AND A HALF PER HOUR WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE RECENT BURN AREAS. THESE RAINFALL RATES WOULD EXCEED USGS THRESHOLDS DETERMINED SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND DOWNSTREAM OF THE RECENT BURN AREAS. THEREFORE... FLASH FLOOD WATCHES REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS. ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM PDT MONDAY... THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR * THE GUIBERSON BURN AREA * THROUGH LATE TONIGHT * RAINFALL RATES OF THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH PER HOUR AND AN INCH AND A HALF PER HOUR ARE POSSIBLE. * FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOW WILL BE A THREAT IN AND BELOW THE RECENT BURN AREAS. Instructions: A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. RESIDENTS IN OR BELOW THE RECENTLY BURNED AREAS ARE URGED TO TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEIR PROPERTY. PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREA SHOULD REMAIN ALERT AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OFFICIALS. |
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By Anonymous — Friday, March 18th, 2011
Meeting is open to the public and the media
 County of Ventura, California The Ventura County Emergency Planning Council Executive Leadership has requested a special meeting of the Emergency Planning Council to discuss the Ventura County Operational Area response to the 9.0 Honshu Earthquake. Date: Monday, March 21, 2011 Items to be discussed will include inter-agency coordination, public information, and response planning. This meeting is open to the public and the media. Members of the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council include: Supervisor Linda Parks (Ventura County Board of Supervisors, District 2), Sheriff Geoff Dean (Ventura County Sheriff’s Department), Laura Hernandez (Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services), Chief Bob Roper (Ventura County Fire Department), Marty Robinson (Ventura County Executive Office), Mike Powers (Ventura County Health Care Agency), Ed Sotelo (City of Oxnard), James McGee (American Red Cross of Ventura County), Jeff Pratt (Ventura County Public Works Director), Captain James McHugh (Naval Base Ventura County), Connie Hall (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster), Chief Kevin Rennie (City of Ventura Fire Department), Dr. Dick Rush (California State University Channel Islands), Bill Buratto (Ventura County Economic Development Agency), Barry Fisher (Ventura County Public Health Department), Paul Grossgold (Ventura County General Services Agency), and Chief Mike Lewis (City of Simi Valley Police Department). Administrator Preparing Release: Cynthia Elliott, OES Program Administrator (805) 654-3655 |